Age-old tradition ... Hussein's depiction of me in 40 years
For centuries cartoonists have used their brushes to depict, ridicule or comment on their surroundings. In recent times they have even been involved in what some call the "cartoon wars". Their contribution to culture is essential. So I was sad to hear that a small group of cartoonists, who have been drawing portraits for tourists for the last three decades in a corner of central London, are now facing eviction.
The cartoonists report increasing harassment from Westminster council, which has also enforced fines of up to £300 for drawing in front of a bank near Piccadilly Circus.
An Egyptian cartoonist known as Hussein, who settled in this part of the city 30 years ago with four colleagues after finishing art school, tells me he had to face seven trials in order to maintain the right to draw in the streets. He doesn't understand why, after all these years, the council is now actively trying to kick them out of their pitch.
To be fair, the council does provide licenses to cartoonists in Leicester Square and some of the Piccadilly cartoonists are applying for one. However, these licenses don't come cheap (£9 per day) and take a while to get.
It's a shame that these artists are being treated like any other ordinary street vendor. I saw tourists flock to get their portraits done. Hussein even obliged me with an interpretation of myself in 40 years.
As Albanian cartoonist, Ferdinand, who is applying for a license in Leicester Square, tells me, "It is not a crime to draw but I guess the council thinks there are too many of us on the streets. But I don't think they are going to stop us. We are always going to find a way to draw and make a living."
Ferdinand has been drawing portraits here for the last 12 years and says some of his colleagues have unsuccessfully tried to speak to the council. "They don't really care about us. If they find us, they will fine us. So after 10pm when the council comes, we leave."
It's ridiculous that these artists have to play hide and seek with the local authorities. I think they should be allowed to stay, as they bring some colour to this busy and polluted corner of the city. London can only benefit from the work they do. Can't it?
